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Thanksgiving reminds us how lucky we are to have friends and family. A new holiday tradition will help you make special memories together! Discover meaningful ways to celebrate Turkey Day and then pick one to try this year.
1. Wear Holiday Pajamas
Everyone loves holiday pajamas, and a new pair of PJs will help you create a cozy Thanksgiving. Plaid Christmas pajamas are festive enough for dinner prep or watching the parade. Make the holiday merrier with Disney family pajamas featuring your kids’ favorite characters. If you’re hosting dinner, you can wear family matching holiday PJs all day. Pajamas made with buttery soft fabric (like bamboo viscose) are cozy enough for lounging but still cute and stylish enough for pictures.
2. Play Family Board Games
Board games are always fun — especially with a big group. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a board game potluck where everyone brings their favorite activity. Set up chairs and tables for holding tournaments or doing large puzzles. You can even have a game of family bingo! Raise the stakes with festive prizes or holiday-themed trophies.
3. Start Holiday Decorating
Thanksgiving is the perfect day to start holiday decorating. If you’re in a festive mood, break out the lights and the Christmas tree. Hang the stockings and decorate the fireplace while you wait for the food to finish. It’s a fun activity for kids, and your décor will make guests feel the seasonal spirit.
4. Make Thanksgiving Crafts
Distract hungry kids with fun and festive Thanksgiving crafts. Turkey handprints are classic, but the little ones love mini turkey pumpkins. DIY these adorable coffee filter turkeys, or let children express their gratitude with homemade Thanksgiving cards. Older children can make decorative Mason jar holders for tea light candles or create turkey-themed place card holders for the dinner table.
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5. Take a Family Photo
Thanksgiving is a popular time for loved ones to get together, so take advantage of the moment with a family photo. You’ll enjoy watching everyone grow through the years with a picture in the backyard or at the dinner table. Put your camera on a tripod and timer so everyone can be in the shot. Capture your favorite photograph and then bookmark it to send to everyone who was there for dinner. These pictures make for perfect Christmas card photos and family mementos.
6. Sing Karaoke
Does your family love music? A karaoke party is sure to bring smiles and laughs. Set up a karaoke machine in the backyard or family room. Let guests browse the tunes and then let everyone sign up for a song. This activity is perfect for relaxing after dinner or waiting for dessert.
It’s a fun bonding session with plenty of photo opportunities. Add star power with a glittering disco ball or include imaginative props like feather boas or inflatable guitars. Everyone will be talking about the top hits of the night until next year’s jam session.
7. Have a Pie Baking Contest
It’s hard to imagine Thanksgiving without a warm slice of pie, so have a pie-baking contest! You’ll create friendly competition and ensure everyone gets their favorite dessert. Let bakers pick a style, like pumpkin or apple. Other delicious choices for fall include pecan pie and sweet potato. The winner gets a ribbon or trophy and the title of best baker. As a bonus, they enjoy bragging rights for the entire year.
8. Take Turns Hosting
Take turns hosting Thanksgiving, and you’ll keep the holiday fresh and exciting. It also takes the pressure off families. Ask someone to sign up for next year before the holiday ends. They’ll have plenty of time to plan, and you’ll all have something to celebrate. Guests can bring their favorite desserts and side dishes. Take family photos in new settings and let the kids explore their surroundings.
9 Hold a Holiday Gift Exchange
Switch up your typical Christmas gift swap or White Elephant party! A Thanksgiving gift exchange marks the start of the season. Let guests bring a festive DIY present or cute décor. Fun ideas include soft holiday throw blankets or cookie cutters. Everyone will appreciate an adorable ornament or set of measuring spoons, but you can make someone’s holiday more festive with a cozy mug or a scented candle.
Thanksgiving holiday gift exchanges are fun and easy. Once you have all the presents, assign numbers to each gift. Next, place everyone’s name in the hat. Showcase each gift individually, drawing a name until everyone gets something to take home. It’s a memorable activity that gives all guests something to celebrate.
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10. Get Together for Brunch or Breakfast
Dinner is a delicious tradition, but what about a Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch? Early birds will love showcasing their favorite morning treats and snacks. Do a potluck or make your family breakfast buffet-style. Eggs and bacon are classic, but you can go with pancakes or waffles. Quiche and crepes add an elegant twist. Impress your family with a souffle or serve larger groups with a tasty breakfast casserole.
If you’re searching for morning crowd-pleasers, muffins and bagels are easy to eat and serve. Sliced fruit and fruit salad are refreshing additions to savory dishes. Freshly squeezed juice and apple cider are perfect drinks for the kids. Let grown-ups sip on Irish coffee or Thanksgiving mimosas.
Embracing New Thanksgiving Family Traditions
Thanksgiving is a day worth celebrating. Make it even more memorable with one of these inspired ideas! You’ll love how the activities help you bond with friends and family. Watch as you create a new and beloved tradition.
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